DStv unveils major package shake-up under new management

by Chumasande Matiwane

DStv is preparing for one of the biggest changes to its South African subscription offering in years, with a new package structure set to launch later this month as the broadcaster operates under new ownership and management following Canal+’s takeover of MultiChoice.

Also see: DStv subscribers face more channel losses under CANAL+

BusinessTech reports that the revamped packages are expected to take effect from 17 September 2026, introducing simpler options and, most notably, a dedicated sports package. The overhaul comes as DStv attempts to respond to changing viewing habits, growing competition from streaming services and pressure on households facing tighter budgets.  

New DStv package structure

According to details published after DStv webpages were reportedly made available ahead of the official announcement, the new streaming structure will consist of DStv Starter, DStv Select, DStv Sports, DStv Movies & Series and DStv Premium. 

The reported monthly streaming prices are:

  • DStv Starter: R99 
  • DStv Select: R299 
  • DStv Sports: R399 
  • DStv Movies & Series: R500 
  • DStv Premium: R799 

According to EWN, the new structure is intended to give customers more choice over the type of content they pay for, with sports and movies and series separated into dedicated offerings. The reported prices apply to streaming packages and do not represent changes to satellite-decoder subscriptions.

Sports gets its own package

One of the most significant changes is the introduction of DStv Sports, a standalone sports package reportedly carrying around 115 channels. 

The package is expected to include major sporting competitions, with football, rugby and cricket among the key attractions.  

The move could appeal particularly to customers who want access to premium sports without subscribing to a broader entertainment package. 

DStv has also recently reorganised its SuperSport offering. SuperSport Variety 1 became SuperSport Football Plus, Variety 2 became SuperSport KickOff, while Variety 3 was renamed SuperSport Africa. A new SuperSport Extra 2 channel was also introduced to provide additional capacity when major sporting events take place simultaneously. 

Also see: DStv drops prices to make World Cup accessible

Changes come under Canal+ ownership

The package overhaul comes less than a year after French media giant Canal+ took control of MultiChoice in September 2025. 

According to BusinessTech, Canal+ has embarked on a major turnaround programme, committing about 100 million euros to initiatives aimed at rebuilding subscriber growth and improving profitability. The plan includes changes to content, pricing, sales and the company’s operations.  

The new management has also identified the simplification of subscription packages and adjustments to pricing as important elements of its strategy to make the service more attractive to consumers. 

MultiChoice has experienced a decline in subscribers as consumers increasingly turn to streaming platforms and become more selective about monthly entertainment spending. 

Canal+ has acknowledged the need to lower barriers to entry and make MultiChoice’s offerings more competitive. 

With Canal+ now steering the wider MultiChoice business, the changes could mark the beginning of a broader transformation of DStv’s products, pricing and content strategy. 

Also see: DStv Drops Four Major Channels This December as Viewers Brace for Big Changes

Featured image: X/@MickyJnr__

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